PARC, US company ink MOU
By Tariq Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD—The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Food and Livestock (MINFAL) and Monsanto Company (USA) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for using collective expertise to expand cotton production in Pakistan through the introduction of Monsanto derived insect-protection technology Bollgard(r).
This is a joint effort between MINFAL and Monsanto Company. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Dr. M.E.Tusneem, Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and on behalf of Monsanto Company (USA) Vice President, Asia Pacific, Mr. Andre Dias signed the MOU.
Speaking at the occasion Mr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Secretary M/o Food, Agriculture and Livestock said that the LOI provides an opportunity for introduction of Bt Cotton varieties in Pakistan on mutually agreed arrangements. This LOI defines in general the basis for the parties to extend cooperation to advance transgenic technology in agriculture sector of Pakistan.
Under this LOI signed today the both parties will pursue collaborative efforts and undertake the following activities:
Evaluate, develop and implement practical solutions to expand cotton production in Pakistan through the commercialization of Bt technology in the country. Evaluate potential collaboration in cotton and also other crops. To provide information and education regarding the safety and benefits of the technology to the Pakistani farmers.
To develop business models and market services that achieve the parties’ objectives and meet the Pakistan cotton industry’s needs. To build a long-term strategy to innovate and expand agriculture production in Pakistan. To enhance biotechnology capacity in Pakistan, to the benefit its producers, consumers, and other stakeholders.
Monsanto Company Asia Pacific Vice President Mr. Andre Dias said that Monsanto is a leading global provider of transgenic technology-based tools and agricultural products that have successfully improved farm productivity. Monsanto has developed high-yielding cotton germplasm and biotech traits that provide cotton plants with in-plant protection against certain agricultural pests which reduced the utilization of pesticide and increase the per acre yield of the crop. The technologies of Monsanto that has benefited world could also help Pakistan to benefits its farmers in income generation and poverty alleviation.